Removal of additional tarrif on US products will hurt local economy, say Kashmir apple farmers

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

Kashmir have urged the government of India to reconsider its decision to remove additional duties on American products, including apples, walnuts and almonds, as this would adversely impact local farmers.

The apple farmers have complained that the removal of additional tariff would negatively impact the local industry in J&K, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. It would result in huge losses for the local apple industry, which is already grappling with the economic stress in the wake of Covid-19 lockdowns and lesser crop production.

“The government of India’s decision to remove additional duties on apples, walnuts and almonds will have a devastating effect on local growers in J&K already grappling with huge losses post 2019.

Hope PMO reconsiders,” said Mehbooba Mufti, former chief minister of J&K.

The Ministry of Finance, on September 5, notified the removal of additional duties on American products including chickpeas, lentils, apples, walnuts in shells, and fresh or dried almonds, as well as shelled almonds.

“We cannot compete with the prices of apples imported from abroad. This year’s crop is less but the market rate is good.

But this removal of tariffs will impact us adversely,” said Bashir Ahmad Bashir, president of the Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers and Dealers Union. He said that marginal growers and small traders will suffer acutely.

“This is a loss to the union territory and to the country as well,” said Bashir.

The Apple Farmers Federation of India has also opposed this decision stating that they will raise the issue with the concerned authorities and the Centre. “Apple farmers are already operating under high stress and duress.

This government is pro-corporate and anti-farmer and small traders. We have been